Boston Breastfeeding Coalition | |
“Breastfeeding is an instrumental metaphor for how love works. In a way, you don’t decide how much and how deeply to love – you respond to the beloved and give with joy exactly as much as they want.” | |
Coalition Social Entrepreneur | |
|
|
Stefanie Belnavis (BC-DMT, LMHC), might be new to The Village, but she is no stranger to the value of connection. Though her educational journey started with contemporary modern dance, overtime she has been led to embrace so much more. Her private practice, A Bucket for the Well LLC, to which she owns and executively directs, focuses on therapeutic creative wellness supporting black and brown birthing folks, perinatal providers and birth workers in the Boston area, while also providing creative outlets to explore their journey’s and experiences. | | | |
|
In 2010 she was diagnosed with a retinal detachment in both eyes that subsequently resulted in blindness in her left eye and severe visual impairments in the right eye. After moving to Boston from Jamaica, her home country, she completed grad school and clinical hours. Through it all, Stefanie held strong, and now offers four specialized “bucket” services at A Bucket for the Well LLC rooted in creative expression and support; the creative bucket, natal bucket, kinesthetic bucket and conscious bucket.
When asked what advice she would give to those starting a business in this line of work, Stefanie was honest in saying it can be hard, especially if one doesn't have a background in business. But, remember it is normal to pivot, be “fearless with reinventing the work that you’re doing.”
Now on her journey to becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) through Vital Village and The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition, Stefanie is looking forward to being able to connect with her work in a deeper way, using this opportunity to broaden her scope even more and eventually become a doula.
If you are interested in creative wellness services with A Bucket For The Well LLC., Stefanie kindly asks that you complete the referral form HERE and she will be in touch.
| | | |
|
To learn more about A Bucket For The Well LLC visit one of the sources below!
E | stefanie@abucketforthewell.com
W | https://www.abucketforthewell.com
IG | @abucketforthewell
| |
Connect with Vital Village Networks at these upcoming events | |
|
June Scholars Support Night
Wednesday July 26th | 6:00pm - 7:30 pm EST
| |
|
July Community Data Workshop
Wednesday, July 26th: 5:30-6:30pm ET
| |
Join a dynamic group of Boston residents champions and community organizations and promote housing and environmental justice by sharing data, wisdom and knowledge. All voices and perspectives are welcome. | |
Connect with Vital Village Network at these upcoming events | |
|
Children's Mental Health Storytimes
In person and Virtual
| |
|
“My ‘Self’ in the World in-person storytime campaign continues!
Bring your children for book readings, songs, activities, and free book giveaways!
Target age 3-8, book giveaway has limited supply- first come first serve! No registration required.
Children’s Mental Health Storytimes group, a collaboration between Vital Village and the Boston Public Library, is hosting mental health storytimes for June to educate young children about mental wellness. ”
In addition to our June in-person storytimes, we are continuing with virtual storytimes every Thursday, 3:30-4:00 PM over zoom. Join us on zoom for songs, stories, resources, and family friendly fun!
| |
Are you pregnant, nursing, or know someone who is? Come to one of our drop-in support groups around Boston! Our groups offer professional lactation counseling, fun playgroups for your young child, and support for anyone struggling with the ups and downs of parenting. | |
|
CONtexts (Community Resources On Health Nearby Fun) is a free text messaging service and interactive resource sharing map that promotes child and family wellness by providing current information nearby community resources, wellness tips, and family-fun events.
Once you’re subscribed you will receive 3 weekly free text messages: Monday’s text - nearby community resources, Wednesday’s text - wellness tips, Friday’s text - a family-fun events
Free Sign-Up To subscribe, text KIDS to +1 (844) 806-0616
| |
Learn more about events and resources by our partners and community organizations | |
|
Beyond Labels: Reducing Stigma Related to Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Webinar, Tuesday July 25th, 2023 | 10:00-11:30a EST
| |
March of Dimes’ goal is that women will be educated about and screened for mental health and substance use disorders throughout pregnancy and postpartum in a manner that reduces stigma and allows them to be connected with resources for prevention and recovery. In partnership with the Boston Healthy Start Initiative’s Community Action Network, we hope you will join us for an informative training featuring local professionals to close out Black Maternal Mental Health Week. | |
|
Boston Public Library Free Teen Classes: Grove Hall Branch
in partnership with Grub Street Yawp
| | |
|
But First, We Freestyle: Writing Without Writing
with Travon Godette
Thursday, July 27th, 2023 | 4-6pm EST
| Learn how to let go and watch your ideas grow in this hip-hop inspired writing workshop. With a more improvisational method of zero-drafting, participants will train their brains to trust creative instincts while also practicing the art of being heard. Students will leave with a new generative strategy, as well as a few new works of their own. | |
When I Move, You Move: Style Imitation & Writing Remixes with Travon Godette
Thursday, August 24th, 4-6pm EST
| In this workshop, we’ll begin identifying our own artistic tastes by studying the art of allusions. Just as epigraphs nod to/celebrate a previous work, we’ll admire, emulate, and evolve whatever artistic techniques make our souls sing. After studying how other artists use this strategy across genres, participants will find stylistic inspiration in poems, songs, and paintings to then serve as jumping off points for their own fresh drafts. | | |
Did you know that Equally Expressed, LLC is an approved dispensary for pasteurized donor human milk? | |
We are proud to sponsor with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast to sponsor a Donor Milk To Go dispensary at our North Andover office and aid families in their lactation journey. Families can purchase up to ten bottles without a prescription! Payment is made directly to the Milk Bank. | |
Mamava is here! BPHC x BHSI brings lactation pod to Roxbury/Boiling building | | |
|
Introducing the Mamava Breastfeeding Pod, a haven for nursing mothers/persons proudly sponsored by the Boston Public Health Commission's Boston Healthy Start Initiative. With an unwavering commitment to empowering lactating families, this initiative aims to provide unparalleled support in achieving their lactation goals. Step inside the Mamava Breastfeeding Pod and experience a safe and comfortable environment designed to foster a positive breastfeeding journey. Through this collaboration, the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Healthy Start Initiative strives to nurture and empower lactating families on their path to success. | |
Learn more about events and resources by our partners and community organizations | |
Breastfeeding Awareness Month Games & Lactivities | |
Breastfeeding awareness month is around the corner, so we made a few games and lactivities. They include a breast anatomy puzzle, a mommy's milk word search, a hormone personality quiz, and more. You can find all our games here. ~ DommiesBlessed | |
Help expand access to breastfeeding support in your neighborhood or workplace! | In The Village, We All Belong | | |
Vital Village Network's Boston Breastfeeding Coalition is committed to improving access to breastfeeding support for every parent in Boston, promoting connections between individuals and organizations that engage in breastfeeding advocacy, and supporting pathways for professional lactation counselors. | | | | |
